Elevator Machine Room Walkthrough — 1974 Controllers, MG Sets & Modernization Planning

In this video, TEC reviews an older elevator machine room equipped with two geared machines and original controllers dating back to 1974. The system still uses motor generators (MG sets) and includes two individual controllers along with a group controller.
With two machines, two generators, and a third group controller, this machine room represents a configuration that was common decades ago but is now increasingly difficult to maintain. The equipment is currently scheduled for an elevator modernization, and while the room will change significantly afterward, the existing setup presents real challenges during the transition period.
One of the major concerns with this type of equipment is the limited number of technicians nationwide who still have experience working on FS Payne equipment. In addition, while this system has performed well beyond its expected lifespan, this type of equipment was typically designed to last around 30 years, and it is now approaching 50 years of service.
This walkthrough highlights why an elevator modernization is necessary and what challenges building owners may face when operating legacy elevator systems.

KEY LEARNING POINTS
What MG sets and legacy controllers look like
How older group controller setups are configured
Why FS Payne equipment is difficult to maintain today
Expected lifespan of older elevator systems
Why
an elevator modernization becomes unavoidable

WHO SHOULD WATCH THIS VIDEO
Building owners and property managers
Elevator maintenance providers
Facility engineers
Inspectors and consultants
Anyone managing legacy elevator equipment

CRITICAL TAKEAWAYS
Legacy equipment can exceed its expected lifespan, but not indefinitely
Skilled technicians for older systems are increasingly rare
Elevator Modernizations drastically improves reliability and serviceability
Planning ahead prevents emergency failures

PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT
Many older elevator systems were built to last, but availability of skilled labor and replacement parts ultimately determines how long they can remain in service. An elevator modernization is often driven not by immediate failure, but by long-term serviceability and safety concerns.

ABOUT THE ELEVATOR CONSULTANTS
TEC provides nationwide elevator consulting services including maintenance service agreements, maintenance evaluations, modernization planning, code compliance support and more.
Learn more at TECVT.com or ElevatorApp.com.


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